How to properly remove the starting relay from an Indesit refrigerator: instructions with photos and advice from experts

Why you may need to remove the start relay and when it is safe

The start relay is a small but critical element of the refrigerator Indesit, which is responsible for starting the compressor. If your unit suddenly stops freezing, makes loud clicks, or does not turn on at all, the problem may lie in this particular part. However, before you grab a screwdriver, you should make sure that the relay is at fault, and not, for example, the thermostat or the compressor itself.

Removing the start relay is an operation that you can do yourself if you act carefully and follow the instructions. But there are nuances here: models of Indesit different years of manufacture (for example, series C 132 G or B 18) may have different relay locations and types of fastenings. In addition, some relays are integrated into the starter unit, which complicates the task. In this article we will analyze the universal dismantling algorithm, and also tell you how to avoid typical mistakes that lead to compressor failure.

Warning: if you have never dealt with electrical appliances, it is better to entrust the work to a professional. Incorrect connection of the relay after removal can damage the compressor, and replacing it will cost half the cost of a new refrigerator.

Preparation for work: tools and safety measures

Before you begin dismantling, prepare everything you need. You will need:

• ⚡ Phillips screwdriver (most often size PH2 is suitable)
• 🔧 Pliers (to carefully remove the terminals)
• 📸 Smartphone or camera (to fix the location wires)
• 🧲 Magnet (convenient for holding small screws)
• 🧤 Dielectric gloves (if you are not sure there is no voltage)

Be sure to unplug the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before starting work. This is necessary not only for safety, but also to ensure that the capacitors in the circuit are discharged. If you remove the relay on a running refrigerator (for example, for diagnostics), use voltage indicatorto make sure there is no current at the terminals.

⚠️ Attention: Do not touch metal parts of the compressor or relay if the refrigerator was turned on less than 10 minutes ago. Capacitors can retain a charge sufficient to cause an electric shock.

Also prepare your work space in advance: clear access to the back wall of the refrigerator, remove food from the freezer (if you are planning a long shutdown) and place a dielectric mat under your feet. If you remove the relay for replacement, buy analog of the same model -read more about the choice in the appropriate section.

Where is the start relay in the Indesit refrigerator

In most models Indesit (for example, Indesit BIAA 13, Indesit DF 4180 or Indesit C 132 G) the starting relay is located next to the compressor on the rear wall. It can be:

• 🔌 Separate block (plastic box with terminals, screwed to the compressor)
• 🔄 Integrated into the start-up relay (one block with thermal protection)
• 🔧 Fixed on the compressor frame (in older models)

To find the relay, move the refrigerator away from the wall and remove the bottom cover of the rear panel (if there is one). The relay is usually located to the right or left of the compressor and is connected to it with two or three wires. In some models (for example, Indesit B 18), the relay may be hidden under a protective casing - you need to carefully remove it by prying it with a screwdriver.

If you are not sure that you have found exactly the starting relay, pay attention to the markings. The following must be indicated on the housing:

• PTC or POS (for posistor relays)
• DIN or L/M/S (terminal designations)
• Voltage (for example, 220–240V)

If there is no marking, take a photo of the part and compare it with images on the Internet or spare parts catalogs. For example, for the model Indesit C 132 G a typical relay is marked RBM 401 or 3TS 022.

How to distinguish a starting relay from a thermostat?

The thermostat is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment (behind the plastic panel) and is connected to the light bulb. The start relay is always located next to the compressor on the back wall and has thick wires going to the motor windings.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the start relay from an Indesit refrigerator

Now let's move on to the process itself. Follow the instructions step by step, without skipping the points:

1. Unplug the refrigerator. Unplug the plug from the socket and wait until the compressor cools down (10-15 minutes).

2. Remove the back cover. In most cases models Indesit it is secured with latches or screws. Carefully pry it off with a screwdriver if there are no visible fasteners.

3. Find the compressor and relay. The compressor is a black cylindrical block with tubes, and the relay is a plastic box next to it.

4. Take a photo of the wire connection. This will help not to confuse them during reassembly. It is especially important to record which wire goes where if the terminals are not marked.

5. Disconnect the wires. Carefully pull the terminals with pliers or a screwdriver. Do not pull the wires - you can damage the contacts!

6. Unscrew the relay mount. Usually it is held on by 1-2 screws. In some models, the relay is snapped onto the compressor - in this case, pull it up with a little force.

7. Remove the relay. After disconnecting the wires and fasteners, carefully remove the part. If it is “stuck”, do not tighten it by force - it’s better to rock it a little from side to side.

If the relay is integrated into start-protection unit, you will have to remove the entire unit. In this case, pay attention to the additional wires going to the thermal protection - they also need to be disconnected and labeled.

How to check the removed relay for performance

Before buying a new relay, make sure that the old one is really faulty. To do this, you will need multimeter (or at least a test light) Follow the algorithm:

1. Check the integrity of the winding. Switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (200). Ohm). Connect the probes to the M and S terminals (or 1 and 2, if there is no marking). ( 15–40 Ohm. If the device shows a break (OL) or short circuit (0 Ohm) - the relay is faulty.

2. Check the starting circuit. Connect the probes to the terminals M and L (or 1 and 3). In a normal state, the resistance should be infinite (open). If there is continuity, the relay is broken.

3. Check the thermal protection (if the relay is integrated). To do this, cool the relay in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, then again measure the resistance between L and M. If after cooling the circuit is closed, but when heated (for example, by a hairdryer) it opens, the thermal protection is working.

If you have a relay with posistor (marking PTC), check it more difficult. At room temperature, the resistance between the terminals should be low (a few ohms), and when heated it should increase sharply. To accurately diagnose such a relay, you need a special tester or oscilloscope.

⚠️ Attention: If during testing you find that the resistance between terminals L and M is zero (short circuit), do not connect such a relay back - this will lead to burnout of the compressor winding.

If the relay is faulty, it must be replaced. In the next section we will tell you how to choose the right spare part.

How to choose a new starting relay for an Indesit refrigerator

Purchasing an unsuitable relay can lead to repeated breakdowns or even failure of the compressor. To avoid mistakes, follow these rules:

If you are not sure of the choice, take the old relay with you to the store or photograph it from all sides, including the markings. Please note that relays for refrigerators Indesit and Ariston (they are from the same manufacturer) are often interchangeable, but it is better to check in the catalog.

Where to buy:

• 🛒 Official service centers Indesit - guarantee of original spare parts, but the price is higher.
• 🌍 Online stores (for example, “Spare parts for refrigerators”) - wide range, but the risk of running into a fake.
• 🔧 Electronics stores - sometimes sold universal relays, but they may not be suitable.

⚠️ Attention: Parts may differ even within the same refrigerator model if it was produced in different years. Always check the markings on the compressor and relay, and not just the refrigerator model.

The cost of a new relay for Indesit varies from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the type and manufacturer. Posistor relays are usually more expensive than induction relays.

Installing a new relay and checking operation

Installing a new relay is done in the reverse order, but there are several critical points:

1. Connect the wires strictly according to the diagram. Use a photo taken before filming. If the terminals are marked, refer to them:

   • L (or 1) - phase (usually brown or red wire)
   • M (or 2) - common terminal (black or blue wire)
   • S (or 3) - starting winding (yellow or orange wire)

Tighten relay on the compressor. The screws must be tightened tightly, but without excessive force - otherwise the threads can be stripped.

Make sure there are no exposed wires. If the insulation is damaged, insulate it with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape.

Turn on the refrigerator and observe. The compressor should start without loud clicks or hums. If the relay clicks again, but the compressor does not start, the problem may be in the compressor itself.

If after installing the new relay the refrigerator does not turn on:

• 🔌 Check whether the wires are connected correctly.
• 🔧 Make sure that the relay sits tightly on the compressor (sometimes poor contact leads to failures).
• 📊 Check the voltage in the outlet - perhaps the problem is not in the relay, but in the network.

If the compressor starts, but turns off after a few seconds, this may indicate:

• 🔥 Winding overheating (compressor diagnostics are needed)
• 🌡️ Thermostat malfunction (it turns off the power)
• ⚡ Low voltage in the network (less than 200V)

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with starting relays. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

1. Mixed up wires. If you connect the phase (L) instead of the starting winding (S), the compressor will not start, and the relay will click. Always label the wires or photograph the circuit.

2. Using an incompatible relay. For example, a relay from Atlant will not be suitable for Indesiteven if they look similar. Check the technical parameters!

3. Damage to the terminals. If you forcefully disconnect the wires, the plastic clamps can break. Use pliers with thin jaws.

4. Ignoring the compressor check. If the relay burns out repeatedly, the problem may be in the compressor (jamming, interturn short circuit). Before replacing the relay, check the current consumption of the compressor.

5. Working under voltage. Even if the refrigerator is turned off, the capacitors can retain a charge. Always discharge them by shorting the terminals with an insulated screwdriver.

Another common mistake is trying to repair the relay instead of replacing it. In 90% of cases this is pointless, since modern relays are non-separable and cannot be repaired. The exception is cleaning oxidized contacts, but this is also a temporary solution.

If you doubt your abilities, it is better to contact a specialist. The cost of replacing the relay in the service is 1500–3000 rubles (including spare parts), which is cheaper than repairing a burnt-out compressor.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to replace starting relay on an Indesit refrigerator without disconnecting from the network?

No, this is extremely dangerous! Even if the refrigerator is turned off with the button, voltage may remain at the compressor terminals. Always remove the plug from the socket and discharge the capacitors.

How to understand that the relay has burned out and not the compressor?

If the relay clicks, but the compressor does not start, most likely the problem is in the relay. If the relay is silent and the compressor does not heat up, there may be a malfunction of the windings or the thermostat. For accurate diagnostics, you need to check with a multimeter.

What to do if, after replacing the relay, the refrigerator works, but does not freeze?

There may be several reasons: freon leak, capillary tube clogged, or thermostat malfunction. The relay has nothing to do with it - it is only responsible for starting the compressor.

Is it possible to use a relay from another refrigerator?

Only if it completely matches the parameters: type (induction/posistor), rated current, number of terminals and markings. For example, a relay from Indesit may fit to Ariston, but not to Samsung.

How long does the starting relay last in an Indesit refrigerator?

The average service life is 5–10 years. It is affected by power surges, compressor overheating and the quality of the part itself. In regions with an unstable network, the relay fails more often.